Changi may switch fleet of vehicles to CNG

Airport's cargo handlers to try out gas-powered tractors and forklifts
Christopher Tan, Straits Times 11 Mar 09;

THE drive towards compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles could take off in a new way soon.

The airport authorities in Singapore are looking at the feasibility of commissioning gas-powered ground-handling vehicles, such as forklifts, baggage tractors and aircraft tow trucks.

The Straits Times understands that the first trial vehicles are expected to be delivered in the next few weeks, and a mobile CNG-refuelling station will be set up at a site with direct access to Changi Airport.

If all goes well, the airport's fleet of about 1,000 ground vehicles - largely old diesel models - could eventually be replaced by cleaner CNG versions.

A China-made CNG-driven baggage tractor used to transport luggage to and from aircraft will be delivered next week. It joins a CNG forklift that was delivered recently to cargo handler CargoTec.

The vehicles are supplied by Asian Micro Holdings, a Singapore-listed maker of computer components that is diversifying into CNG-powered transportation.

Asian Micro chief executive Victor Lim said the firm will be supplying up to 10 vehicles for a three-month trial.

It will also supply a mobile refuelling station, a converted CNG transporter capable of holding 1,000 litres of gas to refuel about eight vehicles a day.

Another firm, German CNG vehicle converter C Melchers, is vying to supply gas-powered airport vehicles as well. The firm has the dealership for Germany's Mulag CNG baggage tractors here.

C Melchers sales manager Gilbert von der Aue said he will be submitting proposals to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and various airport ground handlers soon.

A CAAS spokesman said 'we are looking at the feasibility of more environmentally friendly technologies at the airport'.

The CAAS has in the meantime held preliminary discussions with gas suppliers on the possibility of setting up a permanent refuelling station.

Mr Johnny Harjantho, managing director of refueller Smart Energy, said: 'We're ready. Once they give us the location, we can set up within three months.

'Ideally, the site can be accessible to taxis, so that the station can be more viable.'

Should the airport go for gas, there will be two immediate benefits.

First, workers will breathe easier.

Many ground-handling vehicles operate in enclosed areas, such as the air-conditioned baggage-sorting areas in Terminals 2 and 3.

Second, the cleanliness of cargo will improve, as there will be no staining from fine soot emitted by diesel forklifts. The exhaust pipes of these vehicles often come within close proximity of the cargo they lift.

A spokesman for Singapore Airport Terminal Services - Changi Airport's biggest handler - said: 'The CNG vehicle trial is a good opportunity for ground handlers to explore alternative vehicles using cleaner fuel.'

Singapore's CNG vehicle population has crept up to around 3,500 since their introduction in 2002. Industry observers believe one quick way up is if the airport turns to gas.